1.24.2006

I picked this book up to read while I worked out simply because it was a gift that I hadn't read yet, and it was a paperback so I could read it while doing the elliptical at the gym (i love to read while exercising, the time flys by much faster). God, however, has used this book to open my eyes even more about the persecuted church. This book is an accompolation of stories from women around the world- their daily lives. These women blow me away with their trust in God and willingness to lose family, friends, and "safety" for the sake of the gospel. When I say "for the sake of the gospel", I mean to testify to Jesus in their lifes, and by doing this, showing the gospel to be Truth and Life.

I read these stories and long to sit with the women who tell them. What is their prayer life like? What keeps them going when they feel alone and abandoned? How has God worked in showing His Character to them? What do they think about during a day? How has being persecuted affected their relationship with God?

Many of our sisters around the world addressed those in America and in other western countries that can live freely in regards to what they choose to follow. They encouraged us to live rightly, to be modest and kind and generous, because the world is watching us. Many Muslim men in Egypt see the stereotype of Christians in America and are not wanting their wives to become Christians because of what we do and don't do here. Oh, if we could better understand the fact that our lives have an impact on people other than ourselves. That we are not an individual who can make their own decisions, but we are part of a whole, whose collective identity is shaped by each person, and each person influences others.

Many over in other countries who are struggling to stay alive because they have been kicked out of their homes and disowned by their Muslim families, are looking around for help, and find none. I have always been an advocate of letting them take care of themselves so they don't rely on the western church. but after reading this, i just realize that that attitude is a lie from the enemy. we are one body, and they are our sisters and brothers. We have a responsibility to them. I can't think up a good enough reason not to help. sure, when churches are at places where they can support themselves, that's awesome. but in some of these places where the little house churches are all with nothing, we need to help them to develop skills to support themselves. we are God's hand and feet.

What a perspective-altering book. I really want to encourage people to read stories out of here, even if just a few